Hunter Pence Cleats - $1750 on eBay?

[frikativ54]

While I know the proceeds are going to charity, I am shocked by the price of these Hunter Pence spikes on eBay. Obviously, Hunter is a fan favorite and is extremely popular in both Houston and Philadelphia. However, Pence only has two all-star appearances and has never eclipsed 100 RBI, 25 HR, or 20 steals. Even if Hunter went on a tear for the rest of his career, he would hardly be a HOFer. Not to tear down anyone who is considering a bid, but I don't see these shoes being worth any more than $300 to $350. Yes - The provenance is great, and the cleats can be photomatched. However, I still cannot fathom such a price for spikes of Hunter Pence, who is basically a semi-star.

[freddiefreeman5]

They are worth what someone is willing to give for them.

If someone wants to spend that kind of money on them then I don't care.

[kylehess10]

Though I hate the Phillies, and could care less about Pence, I really want these cleats! It's something with a cool story to go with it. Whatever the winning bidder pays, they should be very happy with them

[cliffjmp33]

I put a bid on them an hour after they were posted for $100 and it was already surpassed that. With 6+ days left I figured either a big-time collector or a store/company was going to end up with them. Either ways good money going to his foundation.

[trsent]

I work with a few charitable groups here in Chicago, and for some reason I see on this forum people always comment when something goes for above market when it is for a charity.

People often pay a premium for an item with the money going to a charity. First they do this because they can afford to give the money to a good cause and second, they do get a tax write off on the amount they pay above the value of the item.

So, instead of giving $2000.00 to a foundation, they pay $2000.00 for a $200.00 pair of shoes and they get the shoes to enjoy and still a $1800.00 tax write off. It is normal in our society for this to happen.

Also, for some reason I see the same post over and over again telling us how an item for charity is being sold over market. I am pretty sure whoever is buying a pair of Hunter Pence cleats they are not worried about what the game used memorabilia community feels an item is worth, but what they are offering to the charity.

[Texstros]

No where in the auction does it state a charity / foundation. The proceeds I assume are going to help with the cost of his baseball camp / school..

[EurekaDave]

Tax write-off? I think we have discussed this once before. The tax write-off is only for the fair market value of the item -- thanks to the IRS. So a $200 pair of cleats cannot be written-off as a $2000 pair of cleats. The buyer would be out stealing second.

[brewcrew]

That's why I don't even worry about it when I buy an autograph or an item and I know the money is going to charity. I get something I want, and I know my money is going to a good cause. That's enough for me.

[trsent]

Tax write-off? I think we have discussed this once before. The tax write-off is only for the fair market value of the item -- thanks to the IRS. So a $200 pair of cleats cannot be written-off as a $2000 pair of cleats. The buyer would be out stealing second.

No, sorry, you are misunderstood.

If you buy a pair of cleats valued at $200.00 by the charity and you pay $2000.00, you get to write off the $1800.00 extra you paid.

You are incorrect with your assessment. The IRS lets you write off anything over the value of the item you paid as a donation. Please do not confuse the discussion as this is fact.

[trsent]

No where in the auction does it state a charity / foundation. The proceeds I assume are going to help with the cost of his baseball camp / school..

From the auction listing:

"[FONT='Arial','sans-serif']By Hunter’s Request, proceeds acquired from this item will go towards improvements at the Hunter Pence Baseball Academy in Houston, Texas. www.hunterpencebaseball.com"[/FONT]
[FONT='Arial','sans-serif'][/FONT]
[FONT='Arial','sans-serif']Looks like a charitable donation to me.[/FONT]
[FONT='Arial','sans-serif'][/FONT]
[FONT='Arial','sans-serif']Then again, looking at the web site this place charges for use. Kind of misleading listing. Shoes at $2025 right now![/FONT]